Can’t read music? Never sung in a choir before? Dover House Singers doesn’t care. No auditions, no experience required – just a love of singing.
The Putney community choir welcomes singers of all abilities to relaxed Wednesday evening rehearsals. With their Christmas concert on December 13th approaching, now’s the perfect time to try a free taster session and learn festive favourites alongside long-standing members.
I joined on a rainy October evening to see what community singing was all about. Walking into the brightly lit St Margaret’s Church on Putney Park Lane, I was immediately welcomed by Janis Humberstone, one of the choir’s administrators and longest-standing members.
“Soprano or alto?” she asked, before ushering me to the Alto 1 section where friendly choirmates introduced me to Carl Speck, the choir’s charismatic leader of more than 10 years.
“This choir is the most friendly and welcoming I have ever come across and Carl is an absolute joy!” Janis told me.
Carl breaks down each song part by part, and recordings of all sections are available on the members’ area of the website for home practice. The mix of familiar songs and new repertoire keeps rehearsals engaging, and between the singing and the amusing chats between songs, the 90 minutes fly by.
This term’s repertoire
The choir is currently preparing a mix of moving classics and festive favourites for their Christmas concert. Alongside traditional pieces like “O Holy Night” and “When a Child is Born,” they’re learning “You’ve Got A Friend,” the spiritual “Steal Away,” and the ever-popular “Fairytale of New York.”
The repertoire throughout the year ranges from contemporary to musical theatre, including cinematic favourites like “May it Be” by Enya (featured in The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring) and “Christmas Star” from Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.
Supporting the community
Dover House Singers perform twice annually – a summer concert and a Christmas performance – with free entry and donations invited for Re-Generate Rise Wandsworth, a local charity supporting older people who are isolated, frail, living with disability, or affected by dementia and memory loss.
The choir also sings periodically in care homes, at events for dementia sufferers and their carers, and at a local disabled children’s home.
20 years of singing together
In 2026, Dover House Singers will celebrate its 20th anniversary. Founded in 2006 by a local resident, the choir has seen three previous leaders before Carl took over more than a decade ago.
“We’re a friendly bunch who love a good sing and a good laugh – there’s no pressure… just that wonderful buzz of voices coming together,” Carl said. “Leading the Dover House Singers is the highlight of my week; watching people grow in confidence, make friends and fill a room with harmony is pure joy.”
“I can honestly say it is the most relaxed, friendly and welcoming choir I have ever been involved with,” said choir member Alan.
Beyond weekly rehearsals, the choir organizes social events throughout the year, strengthening its community atmosphere.
How to join
Where: St Margaret’s Church, Putney Park Lane
When: Wednesdays, 8:00pm-9:30pm (term time)
Cost: £7 per rehearsal, payable at start of term
Experience needed: None – no auditions, no music reading required
Try before you join: Free taster sessions available
Christmas Concert: 7pm, Saturday December 13th, St Mary’s Church, Putney High Street. Free entry – donations welcome for Re-Generate Rise Wandsworth.
To book a free taster session or enquire about joining, visit doverhousesingers.org or use their ‘Contact us’ page.
